Jeannie D is an incredibly talented television personality best known for her presenting gigs on SABC 3’s popular Top Billing, Top Travel and Afternoon Express. Jeannie also has a popular stint as a radio host on Good Hope FM and has become a seasoned MC at major corporate events around the country. Jeannie’s passion for entertainment started at a young age and at 12, she auditioned for The National School of the Arts. She truly understands what it takes to be a great presenter and her ability to connect with her audiences has made her one of the experts in her craft.

This week, four die-hard celebrity fans will compete in various interactive games in the hopes of being crowned Jeannie’s smooothest fan. The winner will make it to the finals where they will compete against the smoootest fans of the other celebrity contestants where, after another round of games, the two top contestants will go head to head to win R250 000 cash and a Honda Amaze!

What attracted you to a show like Tropika Smoooth Fan?

I have always been a fan of Tropika Island of Treasure. I think they are really well done and the same team is bringing us Tropika Smoooth Fan. I have also been in the industry for so long and this is a great opportunity for me to connect with my fans.

Why do you think it is important to recognise the fanbase who has been by your side throughout your career?

For exactly that reason. My fans have been by my side my entire career. I started on radio at age 18, TV at age 20 and that is a really long time to be celebrated for my work and I owe it all to my fans. I am immensely grateful for their love and support over the years.

Why do you think so many people around the country identify with you and your work?

My work is honest and I am myself when on TV. I make the good things in life accessible and I think I have an understanding of how to communicate in an entertaining and a very real way. When I do say something it comes from a credible voice because I do a lot of research on the content beforehand and my fans trust what I do because it is honest and real.

What do you hope your fans get out of watching you on this week’s episode of Tropika Smoooth Fan?

I think it is going to be a lot of fun. I have kept my private life away from the public eye, so this will be fun for fans to get to know a different side of me they don’t always see

What was the biggest lesson your fans taught you about your career?

How to be humble and appreciate what I have been given – especially during a show like Afternoon Express. On Top Billing I met people that were the crème de la crème and were living their best lives but with Afternoon Express, I get to meet everyday people and I learn about everyday struggles. I am grateful for the blessings but I also understand the power behind my voice and I help out as much as I can.

What’s can fans expect from you in the coming months?

I am currently focusing on my Gin business – Finery Gin. We have just launched a grapefruit and a cucumber flavour and I am so proud of the product. I am enjoying running a business and trying to grow a brand that I believe in. I am also going to continue with Afternoon Express, and there are talks to hopefully do another season of Top Travel which will be exciting.

Can you share something with us that media and fans might not know/might be surprised to learn/know about you?

I think the best thing to do is to tune into Tropika Smoooth Fan to find out. I will reveal all!

Can you share an instance where a fan has changed your life in some way?

I have one fan in particular who suffers from cerebral palsy and she started writing to me. What amazes me about her is she is the one with a disability, yet she has done so much for other people. I can’t believe how someone with her condition can do so much for other people and yet she looks up to me. Sometimes I see her and she won’t be able to walk, yet she’s always smiling and positive even though she might me in pain but she remains positive and has a beautiful outlook on life. That inspires me deeply.

Want to be a contestant on the show? Simply buy a Smoooth Fan-branded Tropika at your nearest store, find your unique code and follow the on-pack instructions for your chance to prove you’re the smooothest fan on live television.

Fans also stand to win amazing prizes by snapping a selfie of themselves with a Smoooth Fan branded Tropika, and Whatsapping the image to 071 605 1503 live during the show between 18:00 and 18:30 every Friday.